Dialogue Magazine - Issue 16

DIALOGUE THE DURHAM UNIVERSITY NEWS MAGAZINE MARCH 2011

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

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ISSUE 16

SPOTLIGHT ON ST AIDAN’S A look inside this diverse and lively community

WELCOME Durham University has arguably the most complex estate of any university in the country.

Not only do we own a UNESCO World Heritage site, but more than 60 Grade I and II listed buildings from the 11th to 20th centuries. The most recent listed building is the Hild-Bede chapel, built in 1939, but it seems likely that some other remarkable recent architecture will also be nationally recognised, including Sir Basil Spence’s St Aidan’s College, Ove Arup’s favourite building Kingsgate bridge and perhaps surprisingly to some, Dunelm House. We currently have Daniel Libeskind working with us on early stage planning of an extension to Physics.

The University Estate is not just about our buildings, however. The landscape they are set in is equally important and Durham is the most biodiverse of any UK University (see www.durham.ac.uk/ greenspace/internalpartners/biodiversity).

Our fields, woodlands and meadows around the City and stretching down the Wear, extensive ancient woodlands such as Little and Great High Wood, and of course the Botanic Garden, provide well used and much loved open spaces for our students, staff and local people.

In the past, we have not always had the resources to maintain our estate in the way we would all like. We now have some catching up to do and are doing it. Much is going on, including renewing the heating systems on the Bailey, refurbishing college rooms, upgrading sports facilities, investing in energy saving lighting and windows, and building a new library extension, Law school, and student services building (palatine Centre). More is in planning.

This all takes time and not everything can be done at once, physically or financially. Nevertheless, the aim is

to ensure we have an estate in both Durham and Stockton which provides an attractive and welcoming working environment for staff, students and visitors alike, and which we can all be proud of.

Estates and Buildings, featured in this edition of Dialogue, have the daunting responsibility for delivering this on our behalf, and they are fully committed to change and improvement. But it will take every one of us to do our own little bit, and also to plan and work positively with E and B, through Heads of Department or College, to continually enhance our estate and working environment.

With all best wishes,

CHRIS HIGGINS, VICE-CHANCELLOR AND WARDEN

The Gateway programme is part of the University’s long term estates strategy for Durham City to provide excellent facilities for all its students and staff.

Major programme components are: • A new build on the Stockton Road incorporating: – A prestigious new Law School – A refurbishment to the main Library – The Palatine Centre, bringing together central Student Services – Catering and social facilities for students, staff and visitors.

• Refurbishment of office space at Mountjoy • Science Site Environmental Improvements For regular newsletters and updates visit www.durham.ac.uk/durham.project

ALL STAFF MEETINGS Watch out for details of all staff meetings in Dialogue Signposts and at www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue/meetings

EXPERIENCE BIODIVERSITY WITH OUR 25-ACRE BOTANIC GARDEN

CONTENTS 2

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6 6

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11 12

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REGULARS

SPOTLIGHT ON

FEATURES

2 7 8 9 15

6 Archaeology 11 St Aidan’s College 14 Estates and Buildings

4/5 Internal Communications 5 Greenspace News 12 Scholarships Step Forward 13 Sir John Stainer DUCK 17 Durham Research Online World Heritage Site

Media Round-up Event Durham/Retail/Catering HR News ITS News Profile Congratulations 16 Sport BC Under Investigation What’s On

ALTERNATIVE FORMAT

INPUT

If you wish to receive Dialogue in an alternative format, please email: dialogue@durham.ac.uk

Please continue to send your feedback and contributions to: dialogue@durham.ac.uk

www.durham.ac.uk/somuchmore

SO MUCH

MORE

MEDIA ROUND-UP Here is a taster of some of the recent stories concerning Durham that have been in the regional, national and international media.

TIGERS AND POLAR BEARS ARE HIGHLY VULNERABLE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE Large predators are much more vulnerable than smaller species to environmental changes according to a new study.

Scientists, including Dr Philip Stephens (Biological and Biomedical Sciences) matched studies of predator populations to the abundance of their prey and found that the largest species, such as lions, tigers or polar bears, had much greater declines in population due to diminishing food supplies than smaller species, such as weasels or badgers.

Large predators are much more vulnerable to factors such as overhunting and habitat change, because they have to work so hard to find their next meal, the researchers found.

The review of studies of eleven species of carnivores by researchers from Durham University and the Zoological Society of London was published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.

Coverage includes: CNN International, Daily Telegraph, Metro (national), BBC Scotland, The Herald (Scotland).

EARLY YEARS’ INITIATIVES, SUCH AS SURE START, ARE FAILING THE POOR, EIGHT-YEAR STUDY SHOWS Early years’ initiatives for pre-school children are not delivering improvements in language and numeracy development, according to research from Durham University’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM).

Researchers, led by Dr Christine Merrell, conducted one of the largest surveys to date of the development of 117,000 children starting primary school in England over eight years. They found that despite

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a raft of early years’ initiatives, such as ‘Sure Start’, basic levels of development in early reading, vocabulary and maths have remained largely unchanged.

The researchers say the findings highlight the need for a review of early years’ initiatives and whether they are reaching those children most in need, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The study included recent data that had not previously been published by CEM to give an up to date analysis of trends.

Coverage includes: BBC TV News, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily Mail, The Journal and Evening Gazette.

JOIN MEDIA GUIDE TO EXPERTISE To join our searchable database of Durham University experts go to: www.durham.ac.uk/communications.office/media.relations/media-guide and click on ‘Join Media Guide’.

EXPERT COMMENT ON THE EARTHQUAKE IN NORTH YORKSHIRE Following the earthquake which struck North-West Ripon in North Yorkshire, in January, Professor Robert Holdsworth commented on recent seismic activity in Northern England.

In December, an earthquake was also felt in locations across Cumbria, Lancashire, South-West Scotland, Yorkshire, Northumberland and the Isle of Man. Professor Holdsworth, Head of Earth Sciences, said: “There is nothing particularly unusual about the occurrence of the two small earthquakes in Northern England, which happened over the Christmas period.

“By global standards, the UK is not particularly prone to earthquakes, but it does experience between 20–30 events every year that are sufficiently large to be felt by people. Very few of these cause significant damage, though they often make a significant and long-lasting impression on people who experience them.”

Coverage includes: ITV Tyne Tees TV News, Daily Mirror, The Journal, Northern Echo, Press Association (Newswire), Belfast Telegraph.

DURHAM PROFESSOR TO INVESTIGATE THE DARK SIDE OF THE OLYMPICS A Durham University professor is among a team of leading sociologists that will explore the darker side of the 2012 Olympics after being given unprecedented access in the area where the games are to be staged.

Professor Richard Giulianotti (School of Applied Social Sciences), along with colleagues at the University of Essex and Brunel University, will investigate the emergence of Olympic-related crime and the everyday demands and pressures caused by activities such as theft, business fraud, drugs, violence

as well as night-time economy crime such as the sex trade.

The team, which has already undertaken substantial preliminary fieldwork in the Newham area of London, is investigating the policing of Olympic-related crime in the run up to, during and after the London Olympics, and at the broader impact of the Games on local communities.

They hope the research will help the UK to understand the consequences of the hosting and management of sporting mega-events.

Coverage includes: The Journal, Sunday Sun, BBC Radio Newcastle.

MAKING HEADLINES – MAKING HEADLINES – MAKING HEADLINES A new term but the challenge to maintain and enhance Durham University’s national and international profile continues.

With ‘peer assessment’ weighted heavily in determining a university’s position in national and international league tables, the profile of our brand

in high quality media outlets and academic journals and websites around the world is more important than ever.

It’s about more than name-checks too.

Academics report that the benefits of achieving media coverage for their work includes retention and renewal of research council funding, PhD

enquiries, invitations to speak at international conferences, and enquiries from other universities and industry partners looking to collaborate. With broadcast media coverage and feature articles increasing month on month too, Durham continues to make headlines…

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

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IT’S GOOD TO Internal communications within the University have improved a lot in the last few years and new, effective ways of sharing information have been established such as the VC bulletin, Dialogue news magazine, Dialogue Signposts and staff consultations.

However, there is still more to do.

Common encouraging points emerged from the focus groups including:

• lack of opportunities for staff to mix both within work and on a more social level

• staff experiencing a friendly and welcoming environment across the University

• the occasional abusive tone and style of email communications between colleagues

• internal communications improving significantly over the last few years

• overuse of email • lack of understanding of policies and regulations and of colleagues’ knowledge and skills.

• staff feeling more informed through Concerns about the effectiveness of channels such as Dialogue and the internal communications were highlighted VC’s bulletin.

“I think sometimes the most important in the all staff survey in 2007. Only half thing, and I don’t think the University is “The Vice-Chancellor’s personally (been) of respondents felt that communication very good at doing this at all, but getting quite closely engaged; he issues bulletins in the University was effective, and only together groups of people like this and so on, that he introduced when he 34% felt that different parts of the because you don’t know these people came here. I think they have been quite University communicated effectively exist and the kind of challenges they well received and people feel like they with one another. face. I’m never going to be cruel to are getting more information straight Procurement ever again.”

In order to measure formally how from the top.”

University staff are communicating Some of the concerns mentioned are A few learning points also came out with each other and where improvements already being looked at, for example of the study regarding the following: could be made, an external market through HR staff development research agency working with the • information flow within the University programmes and masterclasses; through Communications Office, carried out • variability of line management an improved new staff induction focus groups consisting of 150 communications programme; and through Strategic University staff at all levels.

Project Groups.

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ISSUE RAISED

WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT

Lack of opportunities for staff to network and mix socially

• • • • •

Tone and style of communications verging on bullying

• Development and dissemination of University values and divisional standards, including staff behavioural expectations.

• Improved probation guidelines including behavioural expectations.

Variability of line management communications

• Upwards and downwards communications to be the theme and focus for the March 2011 Strategy Update Sessions for senior leaders.

• Continued updating of training development programmes and masterclasses and of the new staff induction event for professionalising academic leadership.

Over-use of email

• Provide further guidance on email best practice through a University email communication policy.

Incomplete understanding of policies and regulations

• Development of an intranet to help staff locate information and identify the right people to contact.

Incomplete understanding of colleagues’ knowledge and skills

• Development of administration portal.

• Use Dialogue newsmagazine to build awareness of the professionalism of non-academic functions.

Unsystemised mechanisms for feedback

• Open “surgeries” with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff once a term in different venues.

Incomplete understanding of University internal communication channels

• Internal communications information guide to be issued to all staff to raise awareness of communications channels.

• Development of an internal communications good practice guide.

Ensure colleges become more of a focal point for staff activities.

Invite new and existing staff to become members of college SCRs. Encourage staff to attend and get involved in University activities and events.

Organise events aimed specifically at University staff and their families.

Encourage more staff interaction through staff volunteering.

TALK An action plan for addressing the issues raised in the review report has been put in place (below) in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and key staff from departments throughout the University including HR, Event Durham, Communications Office, Colleges Office and Treasurer’s Department.

Specific owners could be identified for different actions, however effective internal communication is the responsibility of all staff across the University.

Internal communications is all about two-way communication, therefore please take a look at the different ways to share information with your colleagues at www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

GREENSPACE FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT Fairtrade Fortnight is taking place between 28th February and 13th March. This year’s campaign is all about ‘showing off your label’ and being proud to be supporting Fairtrade.

As you know we are a Fairtrade accredited University and as such have events during Fairtrade Fortnight (and at other times of the year) to show our continued support for Fairtrade products.

FIND OUT MORE Please take a look at the Greenspace website to see how you can support Fairtrade in the University. www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/fairtrade

FURNITURE RE-USE SITE The Furniture re-use site has been running for a full year now and we have managed to reuse a lot of furniture which would otherwise have been disposed of/bought as new.

This includes, amongst other things, 86 desks, 62 chairs, 30 poster boards, 26 sets of under-desk drawers, a cross-trainer, a piano and 18 filing cabinets.

This is an excellent achievement and demonstrates our staff’s commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. So if you need an extra item of furniture or you need to dispose of one please use the site! www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/ waste-management/furnitureresuse

CONTACT INFORMATION If you would like to contact one of the Greenspace team you can email one of the following two email accounts: Send your news, ideas or queries to the Corporate Communications Officer by email to dialogue@durham.ac.uk or by telephone on 46290.

Members of staff can use: greenspace.staff@durham.ac.uk and students can use greenspace.students@durham.ac.uk A member of the Greenspace team will then respond to your query.

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

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SPOTLIGHT ON

ARCHAEOLOGY In a University dominated by a medieval castle and cathedral, and with Hadrian’s Wall just up the road, the past is all around us at Durham, where Archaeology is very much at home. Our interests go far beyond the city and the region, however, and while very active in Northern England you are as likely to meet a Durham archaeologist who is working in Kuwait as in Cumbria.

The Archaeology Department at Durham was established in 1948, and has since grown to be one of the largest in the UK outside London. It started life in the Fulling Mill (now the University’s Archaeology Museum) and then spent several decades in Saddler Street before moving to the Dawson Building in 1996. We were particularly pleased in 2008 when we were joined in the Dawson Building by Anthropology.

Viewers of Time Team and similar TV offerings will have some idea of the fieldwork that underpins much of our core research. In this we are widely scattered, with excavations and field surveys from the Himalayan foothills to the Nile Delta and the Outer Hebrides.

Balancing that are our research laboratories, which are at the cutting edge of stable isotope research (indicators of human diet and migration) and DNA (using animals as proxies for the human colonisation of the Pacific Islands). The Department also has a close connection with the Durham World Heritage site, and a UNESCO link with current excavations at the Buddha’s birthplace at Lumbini in Nepal.

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The Department has a particular strength in landscape archaeology and has been involved in research on urban hinterlands in Italy, the Near East and South Asia.

Using a combination of satellite imagery and field data we have gained a new understanding of long-term settlement change in the Middle East.

Durham Archaeology was given top ranking in the RAE 2008, and we are continuing to flourish with new projects and refurbished laboratories. Crucial to that is our thriving postgraduate community.

PGT programmes in Palaeopathology, Museums and Artefacts, and Conservation equip students with key vocational skills and along with our multi-stranded Archaeology MA attract applicants both from the UK and overseas. Equally diverse is our large and active body of research students whose seminars and conferences populate the Department’s academic calendar.

A valuable adjunct to the Department is its professional unit, Archaeological Services, that carries out survey and excavation work in advance of development (what used to be known as ‘rescue archaeology’) both within the region and further afield. Our corridors resound most mornings to the tramp of boots as Archaeological Services staff set out for the field. They have recently excavated in advance of the new car park at Mountjoy, and they also run our undergraduate field school at Binchester Roman fort. It is to their credit that they have weathered the recent economic downturn that has seen the closure of several other commercial archaeology units across the UK. All in all, Archaeology at Durham has become a diverse and enterprising department, conducting first class research and conveying transferable skills – and the excitement of the subject itself – to successive cohorts of students. These are challenging times for archaeology, given cutbacks at English Heritage and other national organisations. Naturally, as archaeologists, we keep one eye on the past that we are studying, but we also confidently look forward to continuing success in a changing world.

FIND OUT MORE More information about the Department can be found at: www.durham.ac.uk/archaeology

EVENT DURHAM // RETAIL // CATERING EVENT MANAGEMENT For support and guidance on organising your next conference contact Event Durham. Event Durham offers a complete Conference and Event Management Service which provides you with the essential support for all of your conference arrangements.

STAFF MODEL FOR NEW ONLINE SHOP Work is well underway for the Retail Office’s new online shop, which launches in Spring this year and will also feature some exciting new products.

for your colleagues when the site goes live. In the meantime, Durham University merchandise is available to buy on our current site: www.durham.ac.uk/university.shop where you can shop for both business and personal use.

Durham University staff and students have been recruited to feature as models for our website, so do look out

Deliveries to University addresses are free of charge!

YUM To support the University’s green policy, YUM are asking you to bring in your own mug (where possible) in which they will serve you that morning or afternoon coffee (other hot drinks are available!).

You will even receive 10p off the price.

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSITY VENUES The Whitaker Room at the College of St Hild and St Bede is now available for private dining for up to 14 guests, ideal if you are looking for an alternative venue to host a departmental event.

For café opening times go to www.yumfood.org.uk

Menus are available from £10.90 (inc VAT) with wine from £5.95 per bottle.

A HIGH TABLE WELCOME

The newly developed Wolfson Hall exhibition space and the adjoining Deane Room at Palace Green Library are now available for private hire.

The Wolfson Hall is ideal for a reception for up to 120 guests, with the Deane room available for meetings up to 30, and more intimate receptions for up to 30.

During term time University staff and their guests are welcome to join High Table at one of our colleges.

If you have a visitor to your school or department and would like to offer the full University experience, whilst enjoying an excellent lunch or dinner, please contact Event Durham on 42887 or at event@durham.ac.uk who will confirm availability and the relevant cost.

To check availability or to view the rooms please contact Event Durham on 42883 or email event@durham.ac.uk

With over 50 years of combined experience the Event Management Team will work with you to plan, organise and oversee your event. Be it a day conference for 10 delegates or a residential event for 400 delegates; be assured the team will offer the guidance and administration support you need.

You provide the conference content and the Event Management Team will provide the extensive knowledge of the facilities and accommodation available here at the University. The team will ensure that all of the necessary features of your event have been arranged to your exact requirements.

FEEDBACK “I just wanted to drop a line to say a huge thank you to both yourselves and everyone else who was involved with SEUG 2011. Everyone commented on how well organised the event was and what a fantastic venue the Calman Learning Centre is. Many also expressed doubt that their own institutions could host a similar event to such a high standard.

“What really blew people away though was the Gala dinner at Durham Castle.

The food and service were out of this world.

“So, thank you once again. If you ever need anyone to recommend Event Durham please let me know and I will be more than happy to do so.”

SunGuard Conference 12th – 14th January 2011, Paul Brierley Banner Support & Development Manager, Academic Office

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Stina Maynard on extension 42883 or email conferenceadministration.service @durham.ac.uk For more feedback please visit www.durham.ac.uk/event.durham/clients

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HR NEWS

HR NEWS

HR NEWS

HR NEWS

CELEBRATING SUCCESS! The latest Staff Celebration event in January recognised the many achievements of more than 100 staff from University colleges, departments and professional services.

“The course gave me the opportunity to think about my team as a whole and how they might cope with change.

The theory I studied is knowledge I will apply in the future. It’s increased my confidence and given me an insight into other departments through the other people on my course.

“I enjoyed meeting new people and sharing knowledge. I particularly enjoyed practising my interview techniques in a task run at the Business School with Apprentices.

Above: ILM Level 3 Award in First Line Management.

AARRON TOAL, DURHAM BUSINESS SCHOOL “Initially I was shocked and surprised at receiving the Apprenticeship Student of the Year Award! It’s a real confidence boost and it’s assured me that my hard work is appreciated and I’m getting rewarded for something I enjoy doing.

“I started my apprenticeship in July 2009 and I’m currently working as a Production Assistant in the Learning Resources team and have recently taken on responsibility for material management including ordering and despatching materials to our students worldwide.

“I found the Apprentice scheme very beneficial as I could apply my learning in my workplace. It really gave me an insight into the working environment and helped me approach my work with confidence.

“I’m now working towards an HNC in BTEC Business and I’d love to study in the future for an HND and then a degree.”

LUCY HART, TREVELYAN COLLEGE Lucy was awarded her Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Level 3 Award in First Line Management.

Above: Aarron Toal – Apprenticeship Student of the Year.

Commenting on her qualification, Lucy said “The ILM Level 3 was set over one year and we had two assignments on Change Management.

HOW TO SAVE ON CHILDCARE COSTS Did you know, you can save up to £1196* per parent per year by using childcare vouchers?

The cost of your vouchers (up to £243 per month) are deducted from your salary before tax and can be used to pay for a range of approved childcare – including holiday and school clubs, nurseries and childminders for children aged 0-16 years.

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“I wanted to do the ILM course to progress my career with the University.

In the future, I hope it will help me progress onto a role such as Housekeeping Supervisor”.

A new supplier, Fideliti, now provides our childcare vouchers. Benefit from these savings and go to www.durham.ac.uk/hr/benefitsplus/ childcareplus or call 0800 388 8727.

*subject to individual circumstances

Above: Kathryn Cullen – Apprenticeship in Business and Administration

Inspired to learn more?

Why not be part of this success?

Go to www.durham.ac.uk/hr/ training/courses/supervisory

INDUCTION FOR NEW STAFF New members of staff will have the opportunity to meet colleagues and members of the University Executive at our Induction Fair on Friday 1st April 2011. The event, in the Calman Learning Centre from 11.45am, includes presentations from members of the University Executive followed by lunch and an Information Fair.

ITS NEWS ITS NEWS ITS NEWS ITS NEWS

INTRODUCING DUCAS

Following the transfer of the MITRE services (the University’s management information systems) after 12 years of external management to our control in September of last year, we have been busy working to consolidate and rebrand them.

DUCAS unites the application support for all of our information systems including the formerly ITS supported applications like DUND, FINEST, Remedy and web development. In the future, Desktop and Network support will not come under DUCAS’ remit and will be covered by our University wide IT technical support function.

These services cover our five principal management information support functions: • Academic Office: their Banner and Syllabus Plus applications manage student information and timetabling • Estates and Buildings: who use the Atrium application to organise maintenance and buildings management • Development and Alumni Relations – ‘The Raiser’s Edge’ facilitates our alumni campaigns • Human Resources and Payroll: who manage staff records, recruitment, and salary payments using Cyborg and i-grasp • Treasurers: whose work on the University’s finances is supported by the Oracle application.

This move further consolidates our resources, skills and experience and is the start of work to establish the foundation upon which a considerable amount of future activity will be based.

From 1st March, this suite of services will be known by the title DUCAS: Durham University Corporate Administrative Systems and the work that has brought it about has been part of the wider activity to unify and streamline IT provision across the University.

As we move forward, it should provide us with greater flexibility for both our ‘business as usual’ activity and our project based work. This will cover a number of projects, including the forthcoming Data Warehouse programme which aims to create a single, secure repository for the University’s data and management information. Once completed, this should improve our responsiveness to the increasing demands for management information systems and is a key part of our Information Systems Strategy. This University wide strategy seeks to provide a platform for our management information reporting and whose long term goal is to facilitate a more efficient and effective delivery of our administrative functions.

This creates a number of benefits for the University: • We will be better able to manage the wide range of information (personal details, research data) that we collect • Our data governance arrangements will be defined and communicated • We can develop better systems allowing secure and appropriate access to data, and facilitating the manipulation of that data to provide management information for planning and development • IT resources will be used more efficiently with increased collaboration and cooperation between system areas and will enable us to apply a holistic approach to IT service provision, reducing duplication and increasing confidence in data.

All of this activity seeks to align all of our Information System applications to meet the needs of ALL potential users across the University.

Find out more about all our services: www.durham.ac.uk/its 9

SPOTLIGHT ON ST AIDAN’S COLLEGE From small but exciting roots in 1947, as part of the post-war expansion of women’s presence in Higher Education, Aidan’s has grown into a diverse and lively community.

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We have just over 1000 students (around 800 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates, of whom 350 undergraduates and 100 postgraduates are resident). The core of the College is the 1965 buildings designed by Basil Spence, set in peaceful gardens, curving round the top of Windmill Hill with unrivalled views over Durham, the Cathedral and, on a clear night, the infinity of star studded skies.

As the population has grown, houses have been added in a further sweeping curve, allowing smaller communities to develop, which has helped our hardworking, caring and wryly humorous staff and generous hearted, remarkably organised students create a welcoming and supportive environment for each new cohort. A generous recent donation of paintings forms the core of a new visual dynamism in our public spaces.

People of different ages, cultures, social backgrounds, sexual identities and experiences – our students hail from every corner of our increasingly interconnected world, Sunderland to Singapore – come together informally at mealtimes, in the generous social spaces, and in regular forums open to the wider community, such as beliefs,values, cultures, the politics and science cafés, the creative writing programme run by our Writing Fellow and our film clubs.

Language evenings open to all members of the University currently run in French, Spanish, German and Russian, supported by staff and Erasmus students. Muslim staff and students pray in our Interfaith Room, we host Friday Shabbat and other Jewish celebrations with our small kosher kitchen. Humanists, atheists and people of all faiths explore each other’s beliefs imaginatively, through dance and music as well as debate and discussion.

Contributors to all aspects of College life, our disabled students have also brought a new energy recently to embedding their experiences through innovative workshops and events.

The Durham favourites of arts, community engagement and sport are flourishing here and everyone is encouraged to try them out, whatever their past or present experience.

People of different ages, cultures, social backgrounds, sexual identities and experiences – our students hail from every corner of our increasingly interconnected world, Sunderland to Singapore – come together informally at mealtimes, in the generous social spaces, and in regular forums open to the wider community.

Our students are creative helping our fine artists paint dazzling posters for the themed formals, trying out their own compositions in termly Jazz, Rock & Cocktails, or joining our very open choir. We host the Hill Orchestra and our talented Barbershop ensemble is in high demand beyond College itself.

Novices have reached national level here in some sports and new sports have taken root amongst more established ones, thanks to the enthusiasm, encouragement and commitment of elite players and complete beginners.

Our expanding regional links include a published Writers’ Forum – Divan – sporadic joint celebrations of Chinese New Year and Nowrouz, forthcoming internships with Bridge and Tunnel, embryonic community initiatives with Durham City Arts and New Writing North East and our broad-based SCR.

Our alumnae and alumni are spread across the globe.

For each and every one we hope we remain a spiritual and intellectual ‘Home on the Hill’.

FIND OUT MORE More information can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/st.aidans.college

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SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS Through partnership working the University has been successful in securing funding to offer new groundbreaking and innovative programmes and research opportunities to students.

KPMG AND DURHAM UNIVERSITY In partnership with KPMG and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Durham Business School has announced a ground-breaking new school leavers’ programme for September 2011 to broaden access to the accounting profession. An initial intake of around 75 part-time students will start a six-year programme leading to a BSc in Accounting and a professional qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants. KPMG will pay the full University and Professional tuition fees for each student in addition to a starting salary of around £20,000.

David Willetts, the Minister for Universities and Science, said “I hope other employers and universities will study the concept carefully.

It’s the kind of initiative that we hope will flourish as we reform higher education.”

DURHAM AND NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITIES WITH ESRC FUNDING Durham (as lead partner) and Newcastle University have been awarded an ESRC Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) for Social Sciences. The new North East DTC will bring together the research strengths of Durham and Newcastle Universities, offering 28 students per annum for the next five years, a wealth of opportunities to work with research leaders across a wide range of social science subjects and benefit from world-class training and resources. The ESRC’s reviewers highlighted the long-established collaborative relationship between the two universities in the social sciences; praised the DTC’s innovative approach to join supervision and training; and commended each university’s investment in new, state-of-the-art facilities for the DTC.

Business School

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A VICAR? The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will be speaking at the “Step Forward 2011” event at St John’s College in March to encourage young people to consider becoming the next generation of vicars and church leaders.

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to allow for thought and prayer about whether God may be calling them to ordination, the process through which the Church of England trains and releases individuals as Church leaders.

Dr Sentamu challenging Christians aged 18 to 30 said “Use this day to start thinking about what God is calling you to do. It could change your life.”

The event, now in its fifth year, is organised by the Church of England dioceses in the North East in partnership with Cranmer Hall, the centre for training Anglican clergy men and women at St John’s College.

Step Forward 2011 is aimed at encouraging the younger age group to take time out of their busy schedules

Young trainee ministers as well as those already serving in parishes in the North East will be on hand during the day to

speak of their experiences and discuss practicalities with those attending the event.

The event will be held at Cranmer Hall, Durham on Saturday 12th March from 10am to 4.30pm. Lunch and refreshments are included. To book a place contact Theresa Phillips on 0191 334 3888 or email theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk

FIND OUT MORE More information about this event can be found at www.cofestepforward.co.uk

SIR JOHN STAINER – A LIFE IN MUSIC

Building on the success of the Folio exhibition in the Wolfson Gallery of Palace Green Library, the next in the series is the Sir John Stainer exhibition.

DUCK NEEDS YOU! At its core, DUCK exists to help Durham students and staff raise funds and awareness for local, national and international charities. From its humble beginnings organising a weeklong event in the 60s we’ve grown over the years to become one of the most diverse and successful organisations of our kind in the country reaching a record £676,000 fundraised last year.

How do we do this? In every single way imaginable: be it releasing 20,000 rubber ducks in the River Wear for the annual Duck race, coaxing people into skydives, bungee jumps or expeditions across the world or small scale college events, the list is genuinely inexhaustible. DUCK is here to support, facilitate and inspire these fundraisers at all stages.

Money raised either goes to a specific charity such as the £32K to Save the Children received annually from the Kilimanjaro expedition, or is awarded through DUCK’s allocation process.

This is a fund which local charitable groups can apply to for grants each year. Valuable local resources such as Durham City Mobility and the Durham centre for the blind benefit each year from our funding and a full break down of grants awarded last year is available on our website.

This term as always, we are looking for willing students and staff who will throw themselves off cranes, run marathons or come to support our events as well as everything in between.

FIND OUT MORE If you would like any more information about DUCK’s charities, or how to get involved in some of our fundraising opportunities, including the Great North Run, skydiving, the Palace Green bungee and a plethora of other events, simply take a look at our website at duck.dsu.org.uk

Sir John Stainer’s remarkable life in music tells the story of one of the most important english musicians of the Victorian era. Best known for his choral work, The Crucifixion, his many compositions and arrangements include some of Britain’s best loved hymns, anthems and carols.

From humble origins, Stainer’s musical talents were soon recognised and he rose to become organist of St Paul’s Cathedral, Professor of Music at Oxford and the first Inspector for Music in schools and training colleges. A highly regarded scholar and academic, Stainer was pivotal in establishing the music degree at Durham University, becoming one of its first examiners. His achievements were also recognised when the University conferred on him the degree of D.Mus. (1885) and a DCL (one of its highest honours) in 1895.

Drawing from the recently donated Stainer archive, the exhibition celebrates the contribution that he made to the musical life of Victorian Britain and the legacy of his work in music today. This exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of concerts, church services and other events planned by the Music Department.

For your chance to see the exhibition first, watch out for details of a staff and student private view. Further information can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/asc/exhibitions Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

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SPOTLIGHT ON ESTATES & BUILDINGS

THE DEPARTMENT

OUR ESTATE

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

The Estates and Buildings Department provides a number of essential services to the University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the estate across Durham and Stockton.

Our Estate comprises over 335 buildings ranging from 1076 A.D. to the present day; collectively they have a gross internal floor area of nearly 340,000 m2.

The key achievements of the Estates and Buildings Department in the last year have been:

The Department provides a diverse range of services to the University, including: • A maintenance programme which takes account of short-, medium- and longterm needs of all buildings and the University grounds • Implementing works and operating a system for dealing with day to day requirements, including the continuing provision of an ‘out of hours’ emergency service • Providing a professional technical service to the University for the design, construction and procurement of new buildings and adaptation works to existing buildings • Identifying and recording the use of space and advising on ways of increasing space utilisation.

• Procuring and managing utilities and services • Providing postal and security arrangements and advice to the University.

Durham Castle and the buildings around Palace Green are part of a World Heritage Site, three properties are scheduled ancient monuments, four properties are listed Grade 1, 79 properties are listed Grade 2 and 60 properties are within the City’s conservation area. Approximately 17% of the University’s estate is over 150 years old. It is the responsibility of the Estates and Buildings Department to deal with each building in a sympathetic way in order to maintain the heritage of the estate as well as complying with regulations.

The Department is responsible for the management of all major capital building projects including the £60m development of the Gateway Project which comprises the ‘Palatine’ building, accommodating headquarters and student services facilities, a new Law School and extension to the main Library and the refurbishment of Mountjoy, the creation of a Centre for Sporting Excellence at Maiden Castle, the refurbishment of Palace Green Library to create exhibition and performance facilities and the Sports Centre at Queen’s Campus.

• To progress the implementation of the Estate Strategy; • To complete the implementation of the Review of the Procurement of Maintenance and Minor Works; • To progress the Durham Project and other projects in a Capital Programme totalling over £200m; • To improve the productivity and responsiveness of the maintenance teams; • To reduce backlog maintenance by 4.5%; • Development of the Carbon Management Plan.

The Estates and Buildings Department is preparing a new Estate Strategy, which will take as its key themes rationalisation, utilisation and sustainability, to address the need to reduce energy consumption.

FIND OUT MORE More information about the Estates and Buildings Department can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/estates

CONTACT DETAILS

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Mr Peter Robinson

Director

peter.robinson@durham.ac.uk

46162

Mr Stuart Sharp

Deputy Director (Facilities)

stuart.sharp@durham.ac.uk

46484

Mr Trevor Armour

Deputy Director (Projects)

trevor.armour@durham.ac.uk

46021

Mr Keith Evans

Management Accountant

keith.evans@durham.ac.uk

46023

Mr Kevin Turns

University Maintenance Manager

k.b.turns@durham.ac.uk

46454

Mr Phil Coxill

Head of Security

p.j.coxill@durham.ac.uk

42223

GOVERNANCE PROFILE INTRODUCING THE NEW DEPUTY WARDEN, PROFESSOR GRAHAM TOWL, WHO WILL BE IN POSITION FROM 1ST APRIL. JOB TITLE Deputy Warden BACKGROUND I am a forensic psychologist and have previously worked as Chief Psychologist at the Ministry of Justice in central government and most recently (2008 – 2011) as Principal at St Cuthbert’s Society.

My research interests are in the areas of risk assessment, suicide in prisons and the evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending.

Currently I am undertaking research into the links between risk taking and resilience.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CHANGE IN THE UNIVERSITY? Internally I’d like all of the University communities to work more closely together.

Externally, I would like us to build upon local links but also to further position Durham University on a world stage.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS DURHAM’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The Shakespeare, Silver Street, on a Tuesday evening.

PROFESSOR GRAHAM TOWL INPUT

WHAT ISSUES DO YOU REPRESENT ON UEC? The interests of the whole University community with a particular remit for our colleges. I think that our colleges are fundamental in underpinning a Durham education – what is sometimes referred to as ‘the Durham difference’. When coming across fellow Durham alumni the first question asked is ‘Which college were you at?’ the start of many a conversation amongst our worldwide alumni!

Dialogue is about two-way communication, so tell us about your news by sending an e-mail to dialogue@durham.ac.uk

CONGRATULATIONS Michelle Crawford and colleagues have worked to ensure all College and University catering outlets are accredited as part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Seif El Rashidi (Durham World Heritage Site Co-ordinator) won first prize in the inaugural Unbound Press Literary Competition for his essay “Four Aces”.

Durham Business School has moved up 19 places to being 55th in the 2011 Financial Times Global MBA tables and three places to 9th in the UK. Anissa Daoudi (Modern Languages and Cultures) co-ordinated an international conference with the Temimi Foundation in Tunisia ‘The internet and e-Arabic’ with the UK ambassador to Tunisia (a Durham alumnus) hosting a dinner for the participants at the Embassy.

Chris Higgins (Vice-Chancellor and Warden) was awarded a Fellowship of Imperial College for contributions to medical research.

Bob Holdsworth (Earth Sciences) has been appointed a member of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) panel.

Todd Marder (Chemistry) received personal recognition for his research through a prestigious Royal Society-Wolfson merit award.

Roger Searle (Earth Sciences) was awarded the Price Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society for his work on the geological processes on the ocean floor.

Ian Stewart (Engineering and Computing Sciences) has been invited to serve as a member of the Computer Science and Informatics panel in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

David Wilkinson (Principal, St John’s College) has received an Honorary Professorship from the University.

Ted Erho (Theology and Religion) has identified the second oldest Ethiopic manuscript in existence containing the oldest known copies of books from the Old Testament, and the Ge’ez codex of the Old Testament, which contains the entire Book of Jubilees considered to be a canonical book by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Adam Pacey (Earth Sciences) won the Dave Johnston Prize, for the best Undergraduate Mapping Dissertation in the UK.

Ben Franklin and Jennifer Pless (Earth Sciences) have been awarded The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Award for their paper ‘Characterising Fracture Systems within the Lewisian Complex, Northwest Scotland: An Onshore Analogue for the Clair Field?’ at the AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, in Calgary, Canada.

Fan Yang (Engineering and Computing Sciences) won the prize for best student paper at the ‘9th International Conference on Web-based Learning’ in Shanghai: ‘An Open Model for Learning Path Construction’.

Steve Smith (Earth Sciences) won the Ramsay Medal for his paper ‘Interactions between low-angle normal faults and plutonism in the upper crust: Insights from the Island of Elba, Italy’ awarded to the best structural geology paper published by a postgraduate based on their doctoral thesis work worldwide.

Lucy Scott and Richard Wire were selected as two of eight players to represent Great Britain at the World University Tennis Championships.

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

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©AFP/Getty Images

GATHERING PACE WITH RECORD RESULTS The 2010/11 season has gathered pace. At the time of writing the winter league season has just ended with the Palatinates recording the best set of league results in recent history.

Winning a Premier League title is tough.

We used to be delighted to win any championship. We still are but it is with great pride that we can say we have won no fewer than five with Men’s Rugby Union still in pole position to add a sixth to that list.

There were some firsts in the list of league winners too. Men’s Hockey, typically in the shadows of Birmingham and Loughborough, have emerged as front runners this season. They secured the league title in January and will be one of the favourites for the Championship. Men’s Basketball, promoted to the Premier League this season, wasted no time in making an impact. Their final day victory over BBL franchise University Worcester secured the title in dramatic fashion and they go into the knockouts as one of the hot favourites.

It is a long time since Women’s Tennis last won a Premier League, however the wait is over as they pipped Loughborough on points difference on the last fixture of the season. The girls, who made the semis last year, have every chance of going further this time around. Men’s Lacrosse have got used to winning. They went through the 2009/10 season undefeated and few would bet against them doing the same again with the team securing 20 goal margins in all of their fixtures thus far. Women’s Lacrosse also go into the knockouts as the North’s number 1 seeds. They will also take some stopping.

Our success doesn’t end there though.

Women’s Hockey, who are always there or thereabouts, finished second in the North and will be well placed to have a crack at going all of the way again. The same applies

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to women’s fencing who finished off top spot on point difference only.

Netball have also had an outstanding first half of the season. Making their Premier League return after an absence of five years looked tough on paper but a third place finish, including victories over SuperLeague Franchise Universities, Loughborough and Northumbria, has raised expectations. The draw needs to be kind but a semi final birth is definitely possible.

Women’s Basketball, led by player coach Leah Rush, have gone all league season unbeaten. They could beat anyone and will be the team the rest want to miss in the early rounds. The same applies to Men’s Tennis. Undefeated in Northern Conference Division 1, few if any teams will want to face them in the knockout draw.

It has also been a great few months for Men’s Rugby Union. New Senior Coach, Alex Keay, has had an immediate impact with the men sat top of the Northern Premier League and already in the semi final of the Championship having grabbed a last minute winning try against Leeds Met. The whole club is having a great season but there is still some way to go.

The Boat Club started the year in typical fashion. Their dominance at the BUCS Small Boats Head was backed up by a series of high quality performances at regional and national events outside of university sport. Their season really picks up now with a series of important meets coming up in the next few months including the BUCS Championship Head and Regatta.

Elsewhere our Alumni Sports Weekend in London was once again a great success.

The last two years had been affected by the weather but this time around the elements were on our side with students and past students alike coming together to enjoy a great weekend of sport and catching up.

CELEBRATE WITH ANDREW Of course it would not be possible to end such a piece without mention of Andrew Strauss. It is a long time since an England Cricket Captain returned from Australia victorious after a Test Series but he has done just that.

Strauss was part of Durham’s Centre of Excellence and worked under Senior Coach Graeme Fowler whilst studying at Durham. We will be able to join in with his celebrations in April when he accepts his honorary degree from Durham in the Long Room at Lord’s.

Tables for the event are still available and details can be found below.

DATE: TIME: DRESS: COST:

11th April 6.30 for 7.00pm Black tie £105pp if purchasing a table (tables of 10) Individual ticket price: £110pp CONTACT: Chantelle Dingley e: chantelle.dingley@durham.ac.uk t: 0191 334 2178

Increase the visibility and accessibility of your research Use the University’s institutional repository Durham Research Online (DRO) to publicise your research outputs such as journal articles, book chapters and conference papers.

DRO sources its records from the University’s Staff Profile system.

A short video is available on the DRO

home page demonstrating how to create a record in your Staff Profile and mark it for transfer to DRO. Library staff will verify your data and check whether the publisher permits deposit of a version of the full-text.

Durham e-Theses contains the fulltext of all postgraduate research theses passed by Durham University since 1st October 2009. Browse and search Durham e-Theses to discover the latest research on a topic of interest to you.

Both DRO and Durham e-Theses are freely available to scholars across the world for their own personal research or study. All the research can also be found using Google Scholar.

FIND OUT MORE More information about Durham e-Theses and DRO can be found by visiting etheses.dur.ac.uk and dro.dur.ac.uk

Join us at the Durham World Heritage Site Work is underway to convert a disused 19th century almshouse on Owengate, the street leading up to Palace Green, into a World Heritage Site Visitor Centre (opening May 2011), to provide visitors with information on what a World Heritage Site is, what makes Durham significant, and what there is to see and do.

Volunteers are needed to man the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre for at least two four hour shifts per month.

No specific experience is necessary, simply enthusiasm and the willingness to contribute to enriching the experience of visitors to Durham’s most important cultural asset. All necessary training will be provided.

Through Heritage Lottery funding, Seif El Rashidi (Durham World Heritage Site Co-ordinator) is managing a project to increase public interaction including students learning about the World Heritage Site and being encouraged to develop creative ways of sharing it with others.

FIND OUT MORE For more information, please contact: Seif El-Rashidi seif.el-rashidi@durham.ac.uk, Anne Heywood anne.heywood@durhamcathedral.co.uk or check out the website at www.durhamwhs.com

Sizzle ‘n’ Spice Why not try our exciting new range of Hot Wraps, available in Calman and Chemistry cafés.

Please visit our website for further details.

Yum – food for thought.

www.yumfood.org.uk

YUM is part of

Don’t forget to visit www.durham.ac.uk/dialogue

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UNDER INVESTIGATION DR PHIL GATES, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I can ‘charm’ weasels and stoats, by mimicking the sound of a distressed mouse – a trick a gamekeeper taught me when I was a kid… see cabinetofcuriosities-greenfingers. blogspot.com/search/label/Weasel WHAT WAS YOUR BEST SUBJECT? Botany.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AND WHY? Watching old Muppet show clips again on YouTube (especially Animal accompanying Rita Moreno singing Fever) – I used to watch the show with our children when they were little.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD? A naturalist (after reading Gerald Durrell’s books).

HAVE YOU GOT ANY PETS? No, but I’ve got a garden pond full of frogs.

WHAT SKILL OR TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO ACQUIRE? Play a musical instrument.

WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? I’ve just finished reading State of Emergency by Dominic Sandbrook, which documents the political and economic crises of the early 1970s, when I was an undergraduate. Looking back, I’m astonished at how unaware I was of what was going on…

GIVE ME A PICTURE OF YOUR IDEAL DAY A walk in the dales or along the coast, lunch in a pub, live music somewhere in the evening.

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO BE? Gilbert White, the 18th century naturalist, so that I could explore our flora and fauna before it was so badly degraded by human activity.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT? Santana’s first album.

WHAT’S THE WORST JOB YOU’VE EVER DONE? Replacing glass in the roof of giant commercial greenhouses.

ON A SCALE OF 1–10, HOW MUCH DO YOU CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU? As long as I’m not upsetting anyone, I’m not too concerned what they think of me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD? Home.

TELL ME A SECRET: I’ve been a motor racing enthusiast ever since my father took me to watch Stirling Moss racing at Goodwood.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST INDULGENCE? Tickets for live music events.

PASS THE BUCK: FINALLY, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE HOT-SEAT? Allan Watson (H&S).

Editor: Jayne Pavitt, Acting Corporate Communications Officer.

Contributions: Karen Barrie, HR Policy Support Officer; Sharon Battersby, Communications Officer, ITS; Professor Jeremy Dibble, Acting Head of Department, Music; Seif El Rashidi, World Heritage Site Co-ordinator; Heather Ewington, Library Assistant; Yvonne Flynn, Green Travel Plan Co-ordinator; Dr Susan Frenk, Acting Principal & Senior Tutor, St Aidan’s College; Russell Gant, St John’s College; Stina Maynard, Deputy Event Durham Manager; Charles Robin, DUCK Communications Officer; Peter Robinson, Director, Estates & Buildings Department; Professor Chris Scarre, Head of Department, Archaeology; Quentin Sloper, Assistant Director of Student Sport.

Design: crombie, www.crombiecreative.com Printing: Statex Colour Print, www.statex.co.uk

WHAT’S ON… …AT THE UNIVERSITY MARCH ‘Our House’ – The Madness Musical Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th March 7:30pm Collingwood College A fun energetic show brought to life on the Collingwood stage, featuring over 20 classic madness hits.

Sir John Stainer: A life in Music 11th March – 8th May Palace Green Library Discover one of the most important English musicians of the Victorian era in this exhibition drawn from the Stainer archive.

Stainer’s ‘The Crucifixion’ Saturday 12th March, 7:30pm Durham Cathedral Durham University Choral Society and Durham University Orchestral Society perform conducted by James Lancelot.

Life After Oil – Public Debate Wednesday 16th March, 5.45pm Calman Learning Centre, Durham University Should the UK be preparing for life without oil? Come and join the debate with an expert panel, chaired by Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of the UK energy regulator, Ofgem.

APRIL Children’s Easter Holiday Activities The Oriental Museum, Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology and Palace Green Library will be running a lively programme of activities throughout the school Easter holidays aimed at children aged 5–11 years.

Annual Easter Chick Hunt Easter Sunday 24th & Bank Holiday Monday 25th April Botanic Garden, Hollingside Lane, Durham Come along to see how many Easter chicks you can find hidden in the Botanic Garden. This fun, family event is organised by our ‘Friends of the Garden’.

Allegri String Quartet Wednesday 27th April, 7.30pm Music School, Palace Green MUSICON welcomes back the Allegri String Quartet, to perform a complete cycle of Beethoven’s String Quartets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on these and other events happening at the University, go to www.durham.ac.uk/whatson